First Station

Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36–41)

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:

Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and agitated. Then he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.” And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.” Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

All we like sheep have gone astray;

We have all turned to our own way.

(Silence)

Almighty God, whose Son Jesus entered the garden of suffering and confronted the agony of impending death: Give strength and courage to the dying, that they may be comforted in their affliction and share in the hope of his resurrection, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Holy God,

Holy and Mighty,

Holy Immortal One,

Have mercy upon us.